Keldy Mason grew up in Prescott, Arizona, and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Lewis & Clark College. He joined Professor Zachariah Page’s lab at the University of Texas at Austin in 2020 to pursue a Ph.D. in synthetic polymer chemistry. His doctoral research spanned the design and synthesis of initiators and methods for ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP), as well as the formulation of novel resins for advanced applications, including battery recycling and automated manufacturing. In 2024, he completed an internship in the Advanced Materials Laboratory at Sandia National Laboratories under the mentorship of Samuel Leguizamon and Bryan Kaehr. Keldy plans to graduate in Fall 2025 and relocate to the San Francisco Bay Area to join Exponent, where he will work in the polymer science and materials chemistry practice solving a range of applied polymer challenges.
When did you first learn about UV/EB as an industry and technology?
My first exposure came while exploring universities and research groups to conduct my doctoral research. I immediately was drawn to vat photopolymerization technology and its ability to produce high-performance printed parts at scale. I vividly remember watching Carbon3D’s video of the Eiffel Tower being printed, which seemed like magic at the time. From that moment, I knew that I wanted to get involved in this space. After joining Zak Page’s research group, I began developing a photoROMP system to produce 2D polymeric multimaterials from cyclic olefins. Soon after, I led a project utilizing vat photopolymerization to develop next-generation 3D filtration devices for cobalt recycling.
Have you run into any challenges as a young professional?
Absolutely. Challenges are an essential part of gaining new skills and life experience. In 2021, our lab lost an exceptional undergraduate student in a tragic car accident. I was this student’s mentor, and the loss had a profound effect on me and our entire lab. I am grateful to have been surrounded by supportive mentors, advisors and friends who have helped me grow during this difficult time. These relationships have helped me overcome various challenges and continue to grow both personally and professionally.
How could more young professionals be encouraged to get involved in UV/EB technology?
I think the key is developing positions and structures for formal mentorship. Creating more entry-level opportunities, such as part-time roles, internships or project-based experiences, can offer meaningful, hands-on exposure. Outreach to younger students also can introduce them to advanced topics and careers that they might not otherwise encounter.
What suggestions do you have for students or YPs who are just starting their professional careers?
Be engaged and open with the people you work with. Enthusiasm for your work encourages mentors to invest in your growth. Also, ensure that you give as much as you take. Overall, keeping communication clear and being proactive also is critical for navigating challenges in any new role.
What do you think will be the next major challenge in the UV/EB technology field?
I hope to see significant progress in translating current multimaterial research into commercial applications. One major challenge will be developing new materials, as well as testing protocols and industry standards for these advanced systems.
What else do you want to share?
I’m excited to see how artificial intelligence can be implemented in UV/EB technology for in-situ monitoring of cure accuracy, product tracing for anti-counterfeiting and generative design. I am hopeful that these integrations will accelerate innovation and expand what’s possible in the field.
The RadTech YP Committee aims to help young professionals (YPs) grow in the use and development of UV/EB technology. The committee is comprised of a group dedicated to enhancing interactions between YPs and senior experts within RadTech. YPs are students and professionals early in their careers who utilize UV and EB technology in industry, government or academia. To ask questions or get involved, contact yp@radtech.org.
